COLCHESTER’S new Northern Approach Road has been delayed because of faulty electrics.

County Hall roads boss Rodney Bass admitted the Northern Approach 3, which will connect junction 28 on the A12 with Mill Road, was supposed to open today, but there have been hiccups with the lines which power street signs and traffic lights.

He said: “There have been some technical difficulties but we expect to get it sorted in the next week or so.

“It is frustrating, but this is huge positive for Colchester and it will open as soon as we can. We’re talking about weeks, not months.”

Mr Bass also said motorists would only benefit because of Essex County Council’s decision to forward fund the project, rather than waiting for developer’s contributions, which had initially been the plan.

“If it hadn’t have been for Essex County Council, it would not have happened at all.

“The fact is you couldn’t rely on section 106 funding, so we stepped in and said ‘let’s remove the uncertainty, we’ll pay and we’ll get our money back.”